What are the definitions of “warm up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Do exercises before a sport.
The team WARMED UP half an hour before the volleyball match.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “warm up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb warm up is to do exercises or activities before a sport or physical activity to prepare the body and prevent injuries. It helps to increase the body temperature and improve flexibility.
What are the different verb forms of “warm up”?
| Root Verb | warm up |
| Third Person Singular Present | warms up |
| Present Participle | warming up |
| Simple Past | warmed up |
| Past Participle | warmed up |
Example
Before going for a run, it's important to warm up to avoid injuries.
Example
She always warms up before her yoga class.
Example
The athletes are warming up before the race starts.
Example
Yesterday, they warmed up before their basketball game.
Example
The team had warmed up well before the match began.
What kind of phrasal verb is “warm up”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“warm up” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The players warmed up before the game.
Example
She warmed up before her workout.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“warm up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The players warmed up before the game.
Example
She warmed up before her workout.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “warm up”?
Warm up (food)
To heat food that has been previously cooked, usually in a microwave or oven.
Example
I need to warm up the leftovers for dinner.
Warm up (atmosphere)
To make a place or situation more friendly or welcoming.
Example
The host tried to warm up the atmosphere by playing some music and offering drinks.
Good things to know
Does “warm up” have an informal or formal tone?
Warm up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, especially when discussing sports, exercise, or physical activities. It can also be used in more formal settings, such as in a professional sports context or when discussing health and fitness.
